An interesting question to ask is how relations between the new administration will develop Trump and the Holy See. During the tycoon’s first term, relations had not been idyllic. In fact, tensions had been recorded both over irregular immigration and over China.
Now, it is probable that, on these specific dossiers, the fibrillations may return. TrumpDuring the election campaign, he promised a hard line against illegal immigrants. Furthermore, The incoming administration will certainly not be pleased that the Holy See recently renewed the Sino-Vatican agreement on the appointment of bishops for another four years. Especially since the president in pectore intends to appoint Marco Rubio as Secretary of State e Mike Waltz as national security advisor: these are decidedly severe figures towards Beijing.
However, be careful: immediately after the tycoon’s electoral victory, a closed attitude did not come from the Holy See. In particular, the Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolinhe hoped that Trumpin addition to overcoming the polarizations in political society across the Atlantic, “can truly be an element of détente and pacification in the current conflicts that are bleeding the world”. It is very likely that the cardinal was referring to the Ukrainian crisis, where there could be some convergence with the American president in pectore.
In September, Rubio had opened up to the possibility of a negotiated agreement in Ukraine, while, last year, Waltz he was skeptical about Washington’s excessive involvement in the Ukrainian crisis. This doesn’t mean that Trump points to an appeasement towards Moscow: ultimately, Rubioin 2023, he was co-sponsor in the Senate of the law that prohibits the president of the United States from withdrawing from NATO without the approval of Congress. However, it is clear that the incoming American administration does not a priori exclude the path to negotiations on the Ukrainian dossier. This is a factor that is probably considered positively by the Holy See.
Among other things, one important “detail” should not be underestimated: namely that Rubio he is Catholic. It cannot be ruled out that, in appointing him Secretary of State, Trump has also considered this factor with an eye towards the Holy See. Let’s not forget that, in the last elections, the tycoon won by a landslide in the Catholic vote against Kamala Harris. This is a circumstance that could contribute to a calming of relations between Trump and the sacred palaces, even if – as mentioned – the real issue will be represented by the Sino-Vatican agreement on the appointment of bishops. On the other hand, the systemic adversary, for Washington, continues to be Beijing. From this aspect, it will also be interesting to see how relations between the new White House and the US Bishops’ Conference will unfold.
